Application deadline: Wednesday, March 31, 2021, 4:30 p.m.
Contributed by Melissa Keefe, Alaska State Fair
“Educate” is a key part of the Alaska State Fair mission, and as part of this focus area, the Fair is pleased to award annual scholarships to Alaska high school students. In 2021, the Fair will award a total of $6,000. Scholarships are open to all Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 31, 2021, by 4:30 p.m.
The 2021 scholarships include:
$2,500 first-place award
$1,500 second-place award
$1,000 third-place award
Two $500 honorable mention awards
Every student who submits a completed application will also receive two free admissions to the 2021 Fair, which is scheduled for August 26th - September 6th.
Applications should include:
Cover letter including student’s name, address, phone and email, school name and phone, counselor’s name, and the name of the college or vocational school he or she plans to attend
Extracurricular resume including interests, clubs, community service and/or employment
One letter of recommendation
A photo that may be used for publicity purposes
Written essay (1,000 words or less) or creative project (audio, video, performance or visual arts, business plan, social media campaign, arts and crafts, photography, etc.). Please note that DVDs will not be accepted. Students can submit videos online by uploading to their personal YouTube, Instagram or other video account, then entering the video URL on the submission page. All other application materials should be submitted to: Alaska State Fair, Attn: Kelly Larson, 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska 99645
The written essay or creative project should address one of the following topics:
In 2020, the Fair made the difficult decision to cancel the annual 12-day event. What impact has this had on the community, both socially and economically?
In 2021, the Fair is eager for a successful event. The Fair has taken many steps to make its events safe and COVID conscious for the community. What precautions would you recommend to mitigate the effects of COVID for a safe and fun event?
In light of the Fair’s mission statement, how can the Fair have a greater benefit on your community or in the state of Alaska?
The Alaska State Fair is always looking for innovative and fun events, activities and contests that are free with Fair admission to fairgoers. Create a new event, activity or contest that has minimal cost for the Fair.
How would you use a 12-foot by 12-foot booth space at the Fair to start your own business or to sell goods or services?
Please note that ideas submitted become the property of the Alaska State Fair.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, March 31, 2021, no later than 4:30 p.m. All applications should be mailed or delivered to the Alaska State Fair, 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska 99645. ASF office hours for delivery are Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Recipients will be announced on Friday, April 9, 2021.
Last year, the Fair received 58 applications and selected five students to receive scholarships. Meet the 2020 scholarship recipients at alaskastatefair.org.
For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Kelly Larson, Fair Director of Community and Corporate Relations, at 907.746.7164 or kelly@alaskastatefair.org.